Paraguay in 2000

Originally published in the Britannica Book of the Year. Presented as archival content. Learn more.

This article was originally published in the Britannica Book of the Year, an annual print publication that
provides an overview of the year’s most-notable people and events.
Unlike most articles on Britannica.com, Book of the Year articles are not reviewed and revised after their initial publication.
Rather, they are presented on the site as archival content, intended for historical reference only.

In Paraguay the year 2000 began and ended with the country mired in a cycle of political and socioeconomic crises. On February 5 the opposition Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) opted to leave the national unity governing coalition of Pres. Luis González Macchi. The objective of the coalition was to restore stability and strengthen democracy after the 1999 assassination of Vice Pres. Luis María Argaña. As a result of the PLRA’s withdrawal, several cabinet members resigned and the president lost a majority in Congress and the ability to pass much-needed legislation.

Owing to growing political uncertainty and a deteriorating socioeconomic situation, González faced several dangerous challenges that further weakened his government and Paraguayan democracy. On May 18 rebels attempted to overthrow the government. The mutineers were said to have been loyalists of retired general Lino Oviedo, a fugitive wanted in connection with the Argaña assassination. González declared a state of emergency that lasted some 30 days. More than 70 rebels were arrested, including police officers, legislators, and journalists.

The hunt for Oviedo continued until June 11, when Brazilian federal police arrested him in Foz do Iguaçu, Braz. Despite Oviedo’s detention, González remained unpopular, with an approval rating of only 11%. Paraguay entered another period of crisis as labour strikes and demonstrations against the government’s privatization programs led to violence and a growing distrust of the political elite’s ability to govern. In the meantime, Paraguayans prepared to vote in the August vice presidential elections; in an exceedingly close race, PLRA candidate Julio César Franco defeated Colorado Party candidate Felix Argaña—the son of the late vice president—by less than 1%. The PLRA’s victory brought an end to the Colorado’s 53-year absolute hold on power.

The election restored a degree of legitimacy to the government; however, Paraguay’s deteriorating economic situation continued to be a source of deep concern. The year’s inflation rate increased to 18%. Unemployment also rose to 18%, and the country’s poverty level stood at about 65% of the population. By October, Paraguay’s economic situation seemed more uncertain after the removal of Federico Zayas, the well-known and internationally respected minister of economy.